Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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122. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the reasoning behind a decision made in 2017 to halt the initial planning stages of possible development of the Old Cork Prison site was ever published; and if she will share this information. [60652/21]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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123. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she or her predecessor met with the Irish Prison Service board to discuss the development of the Old Cork Prison site. [60653/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

As the Deputy will be aware the Irish Prison Service opened a new prison in Cork in 2016 to replace the old prison.

I can advise the Deputy that I have not held any meeting with the Irish Prison Service to date to discuss the development of the Old Cork Prison site.

I also understand that my predecessor did not hold any such meeting with the Prison Service on this issue.

Furthermore, I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it has no strategic requirement for the building and any past consideration of the question of its development did not lead to planning or other proposals in this regard.